Towns

Vineyard Transit Authority

A narrow majority of Vineyard Transit Authority workers have voted not to join the Amalgamated Transit Union. The final vote, cast by secret ballot, was 21 to 18. VTA employees may again seek membership in the ATU in one year.

Citing a long list of concerns that have gone mostly unanswered, Vineyard Transit Authority workers will vote Wednesday on whether to join the Amalgamated Transit Union, a large labor union that represents workers in the United States and Canada.

Beginning March 1, Vineyard Transit Authority route 1 buses traveling in Edgartown will stop only at designated bus stops. Riders on that route will no longer be encouraged to flag down the bus between stops.

Rising service costs have prompted modest increases to passenger fares, the last of which were approved last week by the advisory board for the Island public transit system. Phased-in fare hikes will continue through 2018.

The Vineyard Transit Authority has unveiled a multi-year plan to increase fares aboard its buses and vans. The proposal incorporates fare hikes in each type of ridership pass, including multi-day, single-ride and annual passes.

Traffic and bus service up-Island will be affected by road closures and rerouting during the president's visit beginning Saturday. Police and public safety officials are advising Islanders and visitors to allow extra time to reach their destinations and to expect traffic delays at times.

Expanding transportation services among airlines, ferries, buses and trains have made the Vineyard more accessible than ever this summer.

Four airlines are now operating summer service between the Island and three major metropolitan areas. And two months ago train service began between Boston and the Cape that connects with a shuttle to the Steamship Authority.